Acid-base and electrolyte disturbances in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Blood samples from 57 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus were analyzed for acid-base, blood gas (P02, Pco2), and electrolyte abnormalities. Although a variety of pH, blood gas, and electrolyte disturbances were recorded, metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia were common findings. Three dogs had hypochloremic-hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis. Attempts to correlate the severity of pH, blood gas, and electrolyte derangements with duration of disease, heart rate, respiratory rate, or a mathematical index based on the sum of these variables were unsuccessful. It was concluded that acid-base and fluid therapy for dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus should be based on accurate determinations of blood pH and serum bicarbonate and electrolyte concentrations.